The Mosley Review: Enola Holmes
In the vast world of literature, you'll be hard pressed to find a character more famous than Sherlock Holmes. I haven't read too many stories about him, but I have seen many films and a few excellent tv series. I've always been interested in his family, but never have been the star of the stories. Now comes a story about his sister Enola and I thought it was a fascinating choice to give him a younger sibling. I've only known about his brother Mycroft and I found it fun to go a new direction with the Holmes family tree. Right from the beginning, the film gives you all the classic quirks of a coming of age tale and then quickly delivers all the clues to a mystery that was undoubtedly fun to see unfold. I haven't had this much fun watching a young detective work in a long time. It may not be as dark or gritty as other detective stories and that's what made it so refreshing and delightful. The film takes you on a adventure that is truly fun, colorful, intriguing and heartfelt. Its a fantastic spin on characters we know and we get to meet a new character in the Holmes family that I have quickly become fond of.
The cast across the board was outstanding. Millie Bobby Brown has grown into a powerhouse of an actress and she can do no wrong. As the titular character, she brings life to the world around her and keeps you engaged throughout the film. Her witty charm and well placed 4th wall breaking was brilliantly executed as she takes you through the characters' thought process. I had so much fun watching her discover and navigate the bigger world outside of her window. Helena Bohnam Carter was excellent and heartwarming as her mother Eudoria Holmes. Even though she's sprinkled throughout the film, she still is powerful. You feel the special bond between her and Enola through Helena and Millie's perfect chemistry. Sam Claflin was perfectly cantankerous, uppity and mean as Mycroft Holmes. You grow to understand his position as he represents the social status of 19th Century London. Henry Cavill was outstanding as Sherlock Holmes and he makes the character his own. There have been many versions of Sherlock, but Henry's was more approachable, caring and fun to be around. He may not agree with Mycroft, but he respects him. His heart really comes out in every scene he's in with Enola. Their scenes are truly my favorite and I would love to see those two go on a case together. Louis Partridge was also fun as Tewkesbury and I liked how he and Enola hit it off. Their friendship wasn't forced and even though they clearly have feelings for each other, it isn't rushed. Susie Wokoma was awesome and strong as Edith. Fiona Shaw was perfect as the boarding school Headmistress Miss Harrison. She's always good at playing the most uptight female leaders. Another standout was the veteran actress Frances de la Tour as The Dowager, Tewkesbury's grandmother. She was very insightful when she meets Enola. I did like Burn Gorman as the brutal hitman Linthorn, whose hunting Enola and Tewkesbury.
The score by Daniel Pemberton is truly outstanding and wondrous. It's such a fun score and I love Enola's theme. Visually the film is stunning and the pacing of is just right as it never really doddles. I have never read the book series that the film is adapted from, but if the stories are as fun and exciting as this, then I may have to pick up the books. Director Harry Bradbeer has made an excellent film that keeps the classic frame work of a Sherlock Holmes story and yet tells a refreshing coming of age story for a new member of the Holmes family. I loved this film and I can't recommend it enough! This is a Netflix original and it is currently streaming now. Let me know if you agree with my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
